Round 4 Bernards mauled by Lions

07 May 2013

With several stars coming back into the line up, the reigning premier Collegians bounced out of the blocks with two quick goals against the breeze.

Seniors: Last Quarter Lapse Proves Costly!

With several stars coming back into the line up, the reigning premier Collegians bounced out of the blocks with two quick goals against the breeze but a determined St Bernards clawed their way back to level the scores at 4.2 apiece at quarter time. The second term saw St Bernards work the ball well into the breeze and with the intensity lifting the visitors looked to be getting on top but failed to get a full return for their efforts while Collegians took advantage of some lapses and turnovers to lead by 8 points at the main break.

With Clarke and Wilkinson doing well in the ruck and Solomon finishing off the good work further afield St Bernards outplayed the Lions in the third quarter with 11 scoring shots to three, however, once again, the return of 5.6 to Collegians 2.1 kept the Lions in touch and with the breeze at their backs in the final term it was game on.

The wheels fell off in the final quarter as Collegians cleared the stoppages with ease. A quick goal from the first bounce was followed by some undisciplined efforts resulting in another two goals to give the Lions three goals in three minutes and a three point lead. Collegians sensed their moment had come and with Bull and Kondarovskis dominating the midfield and Ries starting to fire up forward it was all Collegians as the Lions walked through St Bernards tackles, ran off in waves and scored at will. Collegians rammed on 10.6 to St Bernards 0.4 to run out 47 point winners in a dismal final quarter effort.

Final Score: St Bernards 13.13 (91) def by Collegians 21.12 (138)

Best: Solomon, Cooke, Wilkinson, Clarke, Singleton

Goals: Solomon 6, Cooke 2, Bentick 2, Bevanda, Grosso, J. Manunzio

Reserves: Bernards Bounce Back Against Collegians!

The Ressies started well and looked the better side early but Collegians played their home ground a little wiser and managed to boot 2.0 against the breeze while holding St Bernards to 2.3. The second term saw Steve Mitchell doing well in the ruck and Isaac Madden providing some run as St Bernards managed to score three goals into the breeze and take a slim three point lead into the main break.

In a repeat of the first quarter St Bernards were on top early in the third term and when Steve Mitchell booted his second for the quarter looked like breaking away but a 10 minute lapse allowed Collegians to score into the breeze and take a nine point lead at the final change.

Despite looking the better side St Bernards found themselves up against it with Collegians having the breeze at their backs but the Ressies dug deep. Bocca continued to exert an influence and with George Garth providing drive and Jack Gay and Matt Borzillo winning possessions the boys held Collegians goalless with four minutes left on the clock.

After several desperate forward thrusts a snap from Dan Riley brought St Bernards within three points before Paddy McDonough booted the sealer 30 seconds before the siren sounded.

It was a must win game for the Ressies and the boys showed plenty of grit in the final moments to snatch the win. The other pleasing aspect of the game was the welcome return of Tom Overman after 12 months off.

Mono and Kevs Thirds took on Ladder leaders Uni Blues. Having played the Blues in our last practice match we knew a tough assignment lay ahead. Uni Blues flew out of the blocks, their run, spreadand slick movements left the Bernards boys flat footed and disorganised.

More of the same in the second quarter and the lead had blown out to 100 points, effectively ending the contest. The half time message was too salvage something from the wreck as the only way from here was up. We were being soundly beaten in all facets of the game.

The last half effort was better than the first, (that would not have been hard!); very few positives came out of this performance. Good individual performances from Jesse Creasey, Mick Sullivan and Matt Chippendale. Kieran Farrell, Sam Firth, Tom Isaacs and Sam Jones battled hard but could not stem the tide.

This group needs to be more accountable for their own performance and direct opponent. Uni Blues are without a doubt the best side in this competition; To lower our colours in this fashion is most un St Bernards like. We need to work harder on the track and believe in our ability as a team.

Final score: Uni Blues 26-21-177 def. St Bernards 6-5-41

Goals: J. Creasey 2, M Kavanagh 2, A.Neal, J.Rose

Best: Creasey, Lammana, Sullivan, Farrell, Chippendale, Rose, Firth.

Warriors: Hordes Storm Home Over De La!

The Warriors had to come from behind to defeat old nemesis De La Salle at ‘the Pit’ on Saturday. Coach Miracle Mel Beyer reports ..

Over the past four years De La Salle have always been a tough nut to crack, and like Monash given us plenty of hidings. Well on Saturday the roles were reversed with the Warriors coming from four goals down before storming home to win by 38 points!

With nine changes from the side that beat Monash, we overpowered De La in the last 15 minutes of the game. Damien Hurley was outstanding at full Back spoiling all that came the way of De La’s big full forward & kept him goalless. Nick Toy was marking strongly around the ground giving all he had for the side. Mark Salvadore roved brilliantly, some of his ‘front and centres’ were first class. Matthew Trim chipped in for 6 majors and Sinclair Johansen in his first game contested very well & fought hard to keep the ball in our forward fifty.

Our backs stood firm all day with Clarke Mitchell defending well and switching play at every opportunity. Josh Faulkner playing loose in a grueling third quarter stood tall and directed traffic while we kept the opposition to two just 2 goals with a strong breeze blowing towards the Rosehill Rd end of the ground.

Damian Ryan in his return game was a strong contributor as were the ‘big man of Ammo Football’ Andrew Gurrisi and Grant ‘the Bug’ Breheney who shared ruck duties & were clear winners on the day. Daniel Janides and our small brigade of on-ballers worked tirelessly to eventually wear down their De La Salle opponents. James Devery was a clear winner on his wing and not even his dislocated finger could stop him putting his body on the line & having a real crack. Next week we take on Fitzroy Reds at 9.20 am at the old Fitzroy Footy Ground

Rocky Iannello’s team continued their winning way with an emphatic victory over bottom placed Old Brighton. After a relatively competitive first half where St Bernards led by 33 points it was all Bernards as the boys proved far too strong for the visitors kicking 18.8 to Brighton’s 1.7 after half time to run out 136 point winners on the day

A big test awaits the 19 Premier side next week against undefeated ladder leader Old Xavs in what promises to be a great contest.